FAQ

Choice of Programs

Is it possible to apply to more than one Master's Program at HEC?

Yes. You should however be aware that there is no program which is "easier to get into" than others. The two main determinants of your choice should thus be your interest for the curriculum and the fit between the program and your career objectives.

Some of HEC Master's Programs are called "MSc" while others are called "MS". What is the difference between the two?

MS ("Mastère Spécialisé" or "Specialized Master") and MSc are two degrees accredited by the French "Conférence des Grandes Ecoles". They differ in two main aspects: eligibility requirements and length of study. A MS is a postgraduate degree which requires having obtained a master degree prior to joining HEC with a tolerance for students with 4 years of education after high school (up to 30% of the class). It corresponds to 75 ECTS credits.

MSc is a graduate degree open to students having obtained a Bachelor degree outside France or having obtained a M1 degree in France. It corresponds to 90 ECTS credits. The main implication is that students pursuing a MS degree need not take courses from a HEC certificate to graduate in June. They are thus available to start a full-time job as early as mid-April.

What is the difference between the business track and the accelerated track?

We offer two different tracks designed for students with either a business or non-business background:

The Business Track is aimed at recent graduates with a degree from a top institution in domains related to business administration, management, or equivalent

The Accelerated Track is designed for students with no business related academic background, such as engineers, law, life science and medical studies.

Students from both tracks are offered equal career opportunities at the end of the program.

From September to November, the Business and Accelerated Tracks have their own curriculum but they attend together every week methodological training courses and workshops with top firms that come to HEC campus.

What programs can I follow after my third year at Polytechnique?

As part of an agreement between Ecole Polytechnique and HEC Paris, all students from the Ecole Polytechnique who have followed the Year 3 of the Ingénieur Polytechnicien Program can apply to one of the programs below:

To apply for one of these programs, please contact Anne-Marie Le Gall at Polytechnique. Then fill in the online application on www.hec.edu/applytomasters.

Course of Study

What other languages are available?

Students may register to take courses in other languages such as Spanish, German, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Russian and Arabic under the condition that it does not overlap with courses from the Program.

What is a Certificate?

Sponsored by a company, Certificates are a set of interdisciplinary courses and other types of field work related to a given sector. Each student selected for a certificate will be awarded an additional HEC certificate if he/she validates all the requirements of the course.

Can I waive the Certificate if I get a job offer starting in April?

This is possible if you already obtained a master-level degree before joining HEC.

Does the Certificate have to be related to my initial Study Program?

Generally yes. Exceptions can be made when warranted by a specific career plan.

Are all the courses in the Program compulsory?

Students have to take all core courses but are free to choose their electives as they wish. Electives allow students to design their own personal curriculum to suit their career objectives.

Do I need to speak French to join the program?

No, speaking French is neither an entry nor an exit requirement for the Program.

Acquiring an intermediate level of French can however be helpful to benefit from the full HEC Paris experience: networking with local firms and the HEC community. This is why optional French language courses are offered free of charge during the course of the program. Students may also register for the HEC Paris French School (TEF certificate – all levels) in August. This is an exceptional opportunity to learn French and to live in the very heart of Paris before joining the campus.

Is the program taught in English or French?

All core courses and most electives are taught in English. A few electives are available in French.

I speak French. Will I have the opportunity also to study in French?

In all our Programs, students with a good level in French are offered the possibility to take some electives in French.

Can I learn French while studying at HEC?

Yes, students who speak only English and no other language are strongly encouraged to attend either the HEC Paris French School before the start of the courses at HEC or French Classes (TEF certificate – all levels) offered during the year.

Admission: General Information

How do I apply for the program?

First you have to create an account and then begin to fill in your application.

What profile we value?

HEC Paris welcomes applications from candidates of all nationalities who are fluent in English. They must also hold:

Business Track: A Bachelor or Master’s degree in Business Administration, Commerce or equivalent from an international institution with distinction

Accelerated Track: A Bachelor or a Master’s degree in any field from an international institution with distinction, or a master degree in any field from a French university or a Master’s degree from a French 'Grande Ecole'.

What is the difference between the application rounds? Is there a disadvantage in applying for a later round?

There is no difference between the round’s application criteria. However, the numbers of places are limited and admission is highly competitive. That is why we encourage you to apply early.

Can I defer my admission to the program?

Deferrals are only granted in exceptional cases and are offered on a case‐by‐case basis at the discretion of both Academic Director and the Director of Admissions. Please note that the financial confirmation of your place is mandatory to defer an admission. Approval of deferral requests may be granted up to a maximum of one year.

A deferral of admission will not include automatically a deferral of merit‐based scholarship. Your application will be reconsidered along with the new applications received.

I have applied last year to a Master's Program unsuccessfully. Can I reapply?

Yes. If you decide to reapply for the intake of the year after your original application, you have to resubmit an entirely new application.

You must submit official transcripts of any academic work accomplished since the date of the last application, new recommendation forms and application fee.

If I’ve been denied admission, may I appeal the decision?

According to the HEC Paris Admission rules, the admission decisions are final and there is no process for appeal.

Admission: Application Process

Who reviews the applications?

After being processed by the Admissions Office, the application is reviewed and evaluated by the Academic Director of your Master. Finally, the applications are reviewed by the Admission Committee set up by the Dean of HEC Paris, the Associate Dean, the Admissions Director and Academic Directors of HEC Paris Master's Programs.

I won’t be able to complete my application by the deadline of Round 1, what shall I do?

What happens if I applied to the wrong track of the program?

You will be contacted by admission people who will suggest that you switch tracks. You will not be at a disadvantage in any way during the process.

How can I submit my documents?

The required documents must be scanned and uploaded in “Supporting documents” section of your online application. The online application system allows for documents to be uploaded in pdf format only.

After submitting my application, how can I be sure it is complete and taken into consideration by the Admissions Office?

An email notification is sent to you to confirm your application has been successfully submitted. If you do not receive an email receipt from us this means that we have not received your application. If any items are missing or if we have any questions or need further information, we will let you know at this stage.

When should I check the system after submitting the application?

You should login to your online application twice:

on the admissibility results date to know if you have been shortlisted for an interview and if so book an interview slot

on the admission results date to know if you have been offered admission

Please note that if MSc International Finance is your second choice, the Admissions Office contacts applicants individually for the calendar.

Admission: Supporting Information and Documents

Is the GMAT or GRE or TAGE MAGE mandatory?

Yes, candidates are required to provide an official test score report (one of these three tests). There are no waivers.

Is there a minimum GMAT/GRE/TAGE MAGE required? How are multiple test scores considered?

There are no minimum required or minimum cut‐off scores for applying to the HEC Master's Programs. We accept applicants with a wide range of scores. If you have taken a test several times, the Admissions Office will consider only your highest score when reviewing your application.

For how long are GMAT/GRE/TAGE MAGE scores valid?

GMAT, GRE and TAGE MAGE scores are valid for 5 years and must be taken before submitting the application.

What is the GMAT registration code?

0TL-6C-85

What are the GRE registration codes?

School code: 3623

Department code: Any department code is valid for HEC Paris

Is it possible to supply GMAT/GRE/TAGEMAGE results at a later date to the application deadline?

We recommend that you take the GMAT/GRE/TAGE MAGE test at least 2 weeks in advance of submitting your application.

Some GMAT/GRE test centers deliver a provisional score immediately after the test. In this case you can take the test the day before the deadline in order that you can upload at least the provisional score in your application and submit it before the deadline.

How can I report my GMAT/GRE/TAGE MAGE score?

For the GMAT, instruct Pearson VUE to send your official GMAT scores directly to the HEC Paris

For the GRE, instruct Educational Testing Service (ETS) to send your official scores directly to HEC Paris

For the TAGE MAGE, HEC Paris will verify your score directly with FNEGE. The applicant must still submit official scores of the TAGE MAGE before the application deadline. Please ensure your TAGE MAGE test is taken around 3 weeks before the application deadline to allow time for correction.

I won't have the official, nor the non official GMAT or GRE test score by the deadline. What should I do?

You will not be able to submit your application, as it must be complete by the application deadline. By consequence, we encourage you to transfer your application to the next session if another is available. The April session is the last one available in a selection year.

Who is required to take an English test?

All applicants are required to take one of the following English tests: TOEFL or TOEIC or Cambridge. All four sections must be graded: Reading, Writing, Speaking & Listening.
This test is waived only for the following:

English natives

Students who have earned a degree from an institution in which ALL instruction is conducted in English. The official language of the degree program has to be stated in the degree certificate or its supplement, or in the transcript of records.

For how long are English test scores valid?

All English test results are valid for 5 years, except Cambridge certificates which have unlimited validity. Tests must be valid on the deadline of the program you are applying for.

How can I report my English test score to HEC?

For the TOEFL: your local center might ask you for the HEC Paris institutional code in order to transfer your test results confidentially to us. This code number is 0718.

Before taking the test you should nominate on the IELTS Application form HEC Paris School of Management as your score test recipient institution. Please fill in the next information:
Name of person/department: Masters Programs/Admissions Office
Name of institution/agency/body/employer: HEC Paris School of Management
Address : 1, rue de la Libération, 78351 Jouy en Josas CEDEX, France

after the issue of IELTS results, please send to your personal Test Report Form number (TRF) to hotlineadmissions@hec.fr. By sharing this information, you give us the permission to verify the result. For more information: www.ielts.org

Who should recommendations come from?

We require 2 reference forms to be completed via your online application. A maximum of 3 may be filled in.

Recommenders should be professors who know the applicant well. However, if 2 academics are unable to complete the forms, one may be from an employer. A third from a professional is welcome if you have completed an internship or if you have more than 2 years of work experience and your employer knows you better than your professors.

The reference forms in your first choice application will be used automatically for your second choice application.

Is there a minimum GPA requirement to apply?

No. There is no minimum GPA requirement to apply for variances in grading systems around the world.

How do I calculate my GPA if my university or college does not provide one?

If your university/college does not evaluate academic performance on a 4.0 GPA scale, you should not convert your score to a GPA/4. Report your average grade as your university lists it in your official transcripts.

Are internships and part time jobs considered as work experience?

While we recognize the value of internships, they are not considered to be professional work experience. The internships information must be detailed on your CV (Resumé).

However, a part time job is considered as work experience.

Admission: Interview and Admission Decision

Who is invited to take the interview?

Only admissible (shortlisted) applicants are invited to take the interview.

When should I expect an invitation for an interview?

To know if you are admissible and invited to take the interview, you have to connect to your applicant space by the admissibility results date (see calendar).

How do I schedule an interview?

The day the admissible results are made available, you are invited to choose via your applicant space page your interview date, time and type (on campus or by Skype). Once you are offered an interview, it becomes a required part of the application process. Please register for an interview slot online as soon as possible as the slots are offered on a first come first served basis.

Is there a preference from HEC on how to conduct the interview (on campus or by Skype)?

For students residing in France, the effort to come to meet us will be appreciated. For international students, we understand that Skype is more convenient in most cases.

In which language are the interviews held?

The interview is fully held in English even if you are a native French speaker.

How can I best prepare?

There is no specific preparation required for the interview. The qualities we are looking for are integrity, curiosity and strong academics. If you prepare “standard answers” to interview questions, we will automatically change topics so as to be able to tell whether you display the qualities we are looking for.

How are the admission decisions released?

The admission decisions are released via the applicant space. Please note that if you have applied to multiple programs, you will have a separate decision shown in each application you have submitted.

What are the types of admission decision?

When reviewing an application, the Final Admission Jury may the following types of decisions:

Admission: we offer clear admission to highly qualified applicants pending confirmation of their official academic degree/transcripts and test scores.

Conditional admission: we offer conditional admission to applicants who clearly demonstrate significant potential for success but who feel need additional improvement of the application. The Admissions office informs individually each applicant of the requirements or conditions that must be met before the student will be offered full admission.

Waitlist: applicants can expect to remain on the waitlist until the following rounds of decisions are released. There is no rank order to the waitlist. This policy is designed to create an admission process that is fair and equitable for all selection sessions applicants.

Non admission

Financial Matters

How much is the application fee?

The application fee is 110€, and must be paid by Credit card when you submit your application. The application fee is required and non-refundable.

How do I confirm my place at HEC and by when?

Admitted students will be asked to confirm their seats within 3 weeks after the final results are announced with a non-refundable enrolment deposit of €5,500, which will be deducted from their total tuition fees.

I have made a second choice? Do I need to pay twice the application fee?

No. You pay once whether you apply for one or 2 masters in the same application session.

I have been admitted after having been granted a deferral. When should I pay the tuition fees?

Students admitted into a program must pay the tuition fees corresponding to the year of integration at HEC Paris (not the year of admission). This is applicable to all courses without exception.The procedure is as follows: a deposit must be paid after the admission offer and the balance is paid upon your arrival at HEC.

How much are enrollment deposits?

We will ask you for an enrollment deposit of €5,500 if you are admitted.

Why does HEC Paris ask for an enrollment deposit?

The selection for HEC Paris is competitive and we receive many more applications than there are places available. Therefore, we will ask you to pay an enrollment deposit. By paying an enrollment deposit, you will indicate that you are definitely going to take up your place.

Is it possible to waive the enrollment deposit?

No. There is no waiver for the enrollment deposit.

Will I receive a receipt after I have paid a deposit?

HEC Paris send receipts for deposit payments made along with your enrollment certificate 2 weeks after the receipt of the non‐refundable deposit.

Does HEC Paris offer merit/need based scholarships?

Yes. The merit-based scholarship covers partial tuition award and its supply is limited. All admitted students to MSc programs may apply. Special attention will be given to excellent applicants from non-EU countries.

HEC need-based scholarships are available for students having studied in France and having obtained a "Bourse CROUS pour raison sociale"
.

How can I submit my application to the Eiffel Scholarship?

Applications to the Eiffel Scholarship are submitted by HEC Paris directly. For this, the applicant must :

have been admitted to the round 1

have accepted the offer of admission

have paid the enrollment deposit.

Can I get a bank loan in France?

Students may also finance the cost of their education with student loans, which typically carry low interest rates and can be paid back following graduation. However, French banks require a guarantor living in France. We suggest that you contact your local bank in your home country. They often have close links to certain banks in France.

At the beginning of each semester for three weeks, various banks come to take part in the Bank Forum organized by HEC Paris to allow you to learn about bank loans, open a French bank account, and compare the exclusive financial benefits offered to HEC students. Over the course of the academic year, BNP Paribas, la Société Générale and LCL have a permanent stand in the RU twice a week; this means you will always be able to get support and information from people who are used to helping international students. You can open a bank account and pick up your card in the same place. Please note that it is compulsory to open a French bank account to get a residence permit and for receiving housing aid.

What other funding opportunities are available to international students?

Funding opportunities can be found on the Campus France website. This user-friendly online catalog is continually updated and is available in English.

Does HEC offer accommodation?

Yes, HEC Paris offers all international students the possibility to live on campus. We do not offer kitchen facilities in the individual rooms.

What about living expenses and mandatory additional fees?

Living expenses vary depending on where you live (on campus or not). You should count on approximately 1000 € per month including housing, food, off-campus sports activities and leisure.

Mandatory Additional fees:

Participation in on-campus sports activities: €60 payable together with the second instalment.

Health insurance: Non-European students are required to purchase the French Health Insurance (annual fee: €213 in 2014/2015). In addition all students are required to bring local travel insurance or to purchase the Insurance from the CCIP (Chamber of Commerce and Industry) of €14 (annual fee).

Civil liability and housing insurance: Students will either have to prove that they have civil liability insurance included in their travel insurance, or purchase the CCIP insurance.

Students must also provide the housing office with proof of housing insurance. This insurance is often sold together with the Credit Card pack when opening a bank account.

Career

Which career paths are available to the graduates?

MSc Strategic Management graduates are well-prepared for careers in:

Strategy consulting

Strategic departments of large manufactoring and services companies
A large number of French and foreign companies feature a Strategy Development and Planning Division, responsible for determining key development areas, FDI policy and mergers & acquisitions for the company according to the firm’s specific competencies, key factors for success, market trends and competitors.

Investment Banking and Private Funds
Mergers and acquisitions, investment banking and corporate finance are explored in detail throughout the program. As a result, students are able to apply for analyst positions thanks to their strong understanding of markets, competitors and products, and their skills in corporate finance. The skills students develop provide them with a strong foundation for a career as an analyst.

Venture-Capital and Financing of Innovation
Funding and support for high tech entrepreneurs requires the analysis of potential technologies and markets as new business models.

What salary can I expect after graduating from HEC?

The most recent survey of MSc in Strategic Management graduates revealed that the average annual starting salary including the variable part is €53,000 (Annual employment survey, 2013 graduates )

Will I have a chance to meet with companies during the program?

Yes. Specific recruitment and networking events are organized throughout the year:

International Finance Career fair

Legal and Fiscal Career fair

International Consulting Career fair

HEC Alumni Career fair

"Les Carrefours" Career fair

Consulting event

Finance event

Marketing event

Company lunches and rotation dinners

Company presentation day

Company presentations

Company conferences, seminars and round tables

More than 250 companies from all sectors of activity come every year on the HEC Campus to recruit.

What are the career services available?

Information on Jobs, Sectors, Companies: Conferences, workshops, lunch and dinners with companies and alumni; Marketing, Consulting & Finance Events; Resources from the Career Information Centre (CICE); Resources on the Career Intranet; Workshop on “How to investigate Functions”.

Career Workshops: Your professional project; CV and Cover letter (workshops and individual appointments); Individual and Group interviews ; Mock Interviews; Finding internships in France or Abroad; Networking and Social Networks (workshops and conferences); Preparing for Recruitment Fairs.

It is said that the alumni network is a valuable asset for job searching. Will I get to meet them during my stay at HEC?

HEC Alumni often come to the HEC campus to talk about their jobs and companies. They will help you define your professional goals and guide you in your search for jobs and internships. Every HEC student is considered as a junior member of the association and can therefore have access to the whole network.

Student Life

Can students live off campus?

HEC Paris has launched a new social network for accommodations: Studapart.

Can we play sports at HEC?

HEC has a 1600 m² sports hall (tennis, basketball, handball, volleyball, badminton and climbing wall) and 8000 m² of outdoor fields including 2 soccer fields (1 hard surface and 1 turf) a rugby field, tracks and fields, and a 9-hole golf course. All students are invited to take part whether at competitive or beginner's level (provided that matches do not interfere with the course requirements).

Are there student clubs at HEC?

Yes, over 100 clubs exist in different categories: sports, professional activities, culture, humanitarian aid, finance, public affairs and more. We encourage all students participate in at least two associations.

Do I need a visa to study in France? If so, how can I get one?

Students from a country within the EU will not need a visa to study in France. All other international students will require a visa to study.

If you live in one of these 33 countries, a convenient online process is in place (CEF procedure) to obtain a student visa. If there is no CEF in your country, you need to contact the French Consulate or the French Embassy to obtain specific requirements for the visa application.

For more information about the visa application procedure please refer to Campus France

Is the campus far away from Paris?

The HEC Paris campus is situated about 18km from Paris and 5km from Versailles. The town of Jouy-en-Josas is served by public transport (SNCF, RER, bus) from Paris, via Versailles or Massy. Free shuttle buses are also available from campus which run to and from Paris several times a week.

The campus’ location offers an exceptional environment in which to live, learn and practice sport: